MBU shocker

FANS OF Montego Bay United (MBU) still have no answers this morning after the announcement that the club and its Argentine coach of just seven months, Rodolfo Zapata, have parted ways.

The news, which was released online, was met with vitriol from fans, with whom Zapata had quickly become a favourite.

“This decision is ridiculous,” was one comment, while another said “the league lost another good coach”.

Another commentor voiced the sentiments of many, “Wow, this is shocking news, never expected this one.”

The decision has come on the back of the slightest of stutters from MBU, who surprisingly lost 2-0 to Dunbeholden just before five of their players went on international duties for a pair of friendlies between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and a draw midweek against Cavalier.

The blip did not concern fans, who have witnessed MBU stake their claim of being one of the best clubs in the Jamaica Premier League, consistently hovering among the top three clubs in the standings.

The draw and loss saw MBU overtaken by Arnett Gardens in the standings, which now show the former on 45 points, behind the latter on 48 points. Mount Pleasant lead the standings on 55 points.

Ahead of this season’s start, MBU made a similarly surprising decision when they sacked Brazillian coach, Neider Dos Santos, who had taken the team on an end-of-season run that saw them just missing a play-off spot.

The improvements in the team’s play seemed to have saved the Brazillian’s job, only for an announcement to create shock waves.

STROKE OF GENIUS

The decision seemed like a stroke of genius as Zapata quickly hit his straps, losing just twice from September to December of 2024.

Since January the club’s fortunes have diminished ever so slightly, with two losses and two draws, but MBU have also had four wins in the period and have been playing some of the most attractive football in the league.

Still, the dreaded hammer fell and Zapata is out.

“I come to you this morning to share a decision of the club and coach to make a change at this time in the season,” read a release from MBU chairman Yoni Epstein.

“While we thank the coach for his work and positive support during his tenure, we both feel that this decision is the best for the club at this time,” read the release, not going into any details about the reason for the decision.

“We wish coach Zapata all the best and thank him immensely for his dedication towards the club and the Jamaica Premier League,” said Epstein.

Zapata, in response, posted a lengthy message to the fans as well as to the players and suggested the decision was mutual.

“Just want to say thanks for the opportunity to lead Montego Bay United and proud of the accomplishments we achieved together,” said Zapata.

“I am leaving the team qualified for the next play-off and I have no doubt that they will be candidates to win the JPL,” he said of his seven months in charge.

“Special thanks to my staff and chairman. Thank you for giving me a chance and to believe in me. We build a team that made us proud. We played with different formations, strategies and tactics that gave us very proud results, and a DNA that distinguished us for an attractive style of football. Also, we achieved the improvement of some of our players which are remarkable,” he continued.

“I expect to approach the play-offs with determination and teamwork. You know I’ll we watching. Wish you all the best and much success,” he said to his former charges.

Epstein says an announcement about Zapata’s replacement will be coming soon.

Zapata began his career as a professional football player in Argentina before getting a coaching degree and moving to North America where he worked for the USA Olympic Development Program, coaching and identifying young talent for the US national team.

He has been a head coach in South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, and also coached the Fiji U20 national team. He is also the founder of the Rolo Zapata Academy for boys and girls in Argentina.

His seven-month tenure as head coach of MBU included 13 wins, six draws, and four losses.

MBU will now turn their attention to Monday’s clash against Tivoli Gardens at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, beginning at 7:45 p.m.